WHAT IS PHO?
Pho is a Vietnamese Noodle Soup, usually served with beef or chicken; vegetarian is also available as well. The soup includes noodles made from rice and is often served with Asian basil, mint leaves, lime, and bean-sprouts that are added to the soup by the person who is dining.
Pho originated in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam. It was first sold by vendors from large boxes, until the first Pho restaurant opened in the 1920s in Hanoi.
Pho is listed at number 28 on World's 50 most delicious foods compiled by 'CNN - Global Experiences' in 2011.
BROTH
The broth for beef pho is generally made by simmering beef bones, oxtails, flank steak, charred onion, charred ginger and spices, etc. For a more intense flavor, the bones may still have beef on them. Seasonings can include cinnamon or other kinds of cinnamon as alternatives (may use stick or powder), star anise, roasted ginger, roasted onion, black cardamom, coriander seed, fennel seed, and clove. The broth takes more than 8 hours to make.